Gulf Coast edges Northwest in 100-98 thriller
PERKINSTON — In a tightly contested game, the Northwest Mississippi Community College men’s basketball team fell just short of upsetting Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The Bulldogs secured a 100-98 victory in a game that featured multiple lead changes and intense back-and-forth action, according to sources.
The game was closely matched from the start, with neither team gaining a significant advantage. Gulf Coast held a maximum lead of eight points at halftime, after Northwest opened with a 5-0 run and led 28-27 entering the break. The Bulldogs expanded their lead to 60-52 early in the second half before Northwest mounted a comeback, led by Zahir Gutierrez and Houston Cunningham. The duo combined for 10 of 17 three-pointers, fueling the Rangers’ rally.
The game saw four lead changes in the second half, with the score tied at 71, 73, and 79. The pace quickened as both teams pushed the ball, with the score reaching 92-92 with less than two minutes remaining. Gulf Coast scored four consecutive points to take a brief lead, but Northwest responded with late free throws to secure the win. The Rangers’ defense caused 24 turnovers and forced Gulf Coast into tough shooting, but the Bulldogs shot 46% from the field compared to Northwest’s 37%. Northwest made 19 of 21 free throws to seal the victory, according to game reports.
Houston Cunningham led Northwest with a career-best 27 points, shooting 8-13 overall and 6-8 from three-point range. Gutierrez scored 21 points, while Duffy and Terry added 17 and 11 points, respectively. Gulf Coast struggled inside, being outscored 62-30 in the paint and surrendering 29 offensive rebounds, but forced 24 turnovers through aggressive defense.
The Rangers return home Thursday to face East Central Community College for sophomore night at Howard Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., after the women’s game. Fans can follow updates on nwccrangers.com and the team’s social media accounts as postseason play approaches.
Source: Original Article
